Overview
Learn AI Skills That Will Transform Your Career
At the conclusion of the 8-week program, you'll earn a certificate from Columbia Business School Executive Education and access to lifelong career resources.
Build Hands-On AI Skills that You Can Apply in Your Role Right Away
Develop an understanding of how machine learning, predictive analytics, and generative AI actually work, and learn how to apply these technologies to solve real-world problems in business and finance.
Learn from Columbia Business School’s Top AI Faculty and Finance Practitioners
You’ll learn directly from globally recognized faculty as well as business and finance leaders who are guiding their organizations through the AI transformation.
No Coding or Tech Background Required
This program is designed for professionals from all backgrounds and we’ll ramp up to AI proficiency step by step. No coding, Excel, data analysis and statistics knowledge is required - everything you need for the program is provided.
Earn a Globally Recognized Certificate
At the conclusion of the 8-week program, you’ll earn a certificate from Columbia Business School Executive Education and gain lifelong access to career resources.
A Unique Collaboration With Wall Street Prep
This groundbreaking program is created by Columbia Business School Executive Education and Wall Street Prep, the training firm used by the world’s leading financial institutions. You'll learn directly from Columbia Business School faculty, AI corporate trainers as well as business executives leading their teams through the AI transformation.
“This collaboration gives learners a deep understanding of Al as well as an understanding of what employers are looking for and how Al is being applied in practice at the world's top financial institutions.”

Daniel Guetta
Program Director and Professor of Professional Practice, Columbia Business SchoolParticipant Profile
The AI for Business and Finance Certificate Program is designed for early- to mid-career professionals of all backgrounds. It’s perfect for anyone who is looking to become an AI leader within their role, and the program’s exercises, case studies, and guest speakers make it especially relevant for the following finance and business roles:
Business Analysts & Financial Analysts
- FP&A Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Operations Analyst
- Marketing Analyst
- Product Manager
Business and financial analysts optimize processes, develop strategies, and provide actionable insights by analyzing data and forecasting trends, primarily working in divisions like FP&A, operations, and strategy within industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology. By leveraging AI tools for scenario modeling, automation, and predictive analytics, they enhance decision-making and improve efficiency across organizational functions.
Investment Analysts & Portfolio Managers
- IB Analyst/Associate
- Private Equity Analyst
- Wealth Manager/Investment Advisor
- Quantitative Analyst
- Hedge Fund Analyst
- Credit & Equity Research Analyst
People who perform investment analysis evaluate assets, forecast market trends, and optimize portfolios by leveraging data and financial models, primarily working in roles like equity research, private equity, and hedge funds within industries such as finance, asset management, and venture capital. AI enhances their work by automating data analysis, uncovering insights from alternative data sources, and improving accuracy in financial modeling, risk assessment, and investment decision-making.
Data Analysts & Data Scientists
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
Data analysts interpret and process large data sets to uncover trends (statistics and predictive modeling), create reports (data visualizations), and support decision-making (dashboard creation) across a variety of visions in finance, marketing, operations, and IT and span industries such as technology, finance, retail, and healthcare. AI and predictive analytics are revolutionizing the toolkit of data analysts - automating data cleaning, uncovering hidden patterns, and enables the delivery of faster, more actionable insights that drive business objectives.
Risk, Compliance & Treasury Professionals
- Compliance Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Treasury Analyst
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
- Credit Risk Analyst
- Fraud Detection Specialist
People who work in risk, compliance, and treasury at banks manage financial risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and oversee liquidity and capital allocation to maintain financial stability. AI enhances their work by automating risk assessments, detecting anomalies for fraud prevention, and optimizing cash flow and capital management through predictive analytics and real- time monitoring.
Tech Professionals in Finance
- Software Engineer (Finance)
- Machine Learning Engineer (Finance)
- Full Stack Developer
- NLP Engineer
- Blockchain Developer
Tech professionals who build applications for finance design and develop tools like trading platforms, fraud detection systems, and financial APIs, primarily working in roles such as software development, machine learning, and blockchain engineering within fintech and banking. This program helps tech & ops teams better understand business needs when leveraging AI to automates processes, enhances security, and enables advanced analytics for better decision-making in financial operations.
Students and Career Switchers
Hands-on AI skills are in incredibly high demand for virtually every industry and role in business and finance. The ability to demonstrate a practical, hands-on AI skillset gives students and career switchers a huge competitive edge in recruiting and interviews.
“We designed this program because we believe the AI skillset represents the new language of business. The skillset this program delivers should be required learning for every professional in business and finance." ”

Ciamac Moallemi
Professor of Business Decision, Risk, and Operations Division, Columbia Business SchoolLearning Approach
The AI for Business & Finance Certificate Program is an immersive learning experience, made up of self-paced video-based lectures, real-world exercises, industry case studies, and full faculty support.
8-Week Program Focusing on AI for Business & Finance
Develop AI skills you can apply right away to enhance productivity and business impact.
8-10 Hour Weekly Time Commitment
A comprehensive certificate program designed to fit into your busy schedule.
Self-paced Online Learning Experience
Complete the program on our online learning platform at your own pace.
The Same Training Used by Top Financial Institutions
Access the same lessons and methods taught inside the world’s leading Financial Institutions.
Learn Directly From AI Experts
Gain insights from the word-class Columbia Business School faculty and industry leaders shaping the future of AI.
Tailored Learning Experience
Through Program Electives Customize your experience based on your specific learning objectives.
Learn by Doing with Industry-Relevant Case Studies
Learn first-hand with practical industry-relevant case studies such as predicting future asset returns to churn analysis using generative AI.
Weekly Office Hours & Dedicated Support
Program faculty and support staff is available every step of the way.
AI Certification Issued from Columbia Business School
Upon completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Columbia Business School Executive Education.
Program Curriculum
Over the course of eight weeks, you'll:
- Gain proficiency in machine learning, predictive analytics, and generative AI through real-world exercises
- Learn how to use APIs to leverage OpenAI’s powerful models in the context of real case studies
- Hear directly from innovative business leaders implementing AI across various roles and functions
- Learn just enough Python (no previous coding or tech experience needed!) to truly understand how AI works
- Supercharge your ability to analyze large datasets with industry-standard AI libraries and visualization tools
AI Foundations for Business & Finance
Understand AI fundamentals, key tools, and applications in finance.
- Overview of AI, machine learning, and generative AI
- How businesses leverage AI tools (chatbots, APIs, automation)
- Key trends and opportunities in AI-driven finance
- Preview of case studies and applications
Faculty

Stijn G. Van Nieuwerburgh
Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor of Real Estate, Finance Division and Faculty Co-Director, Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate, Columbia Business School
Guest Speakers
The program will feature an extensive list of speakers. To view the full lineup of presenters, please download the brochure.
Networking Events & Program Benefits
Successfully completing the AI for Business & Finance Certificate Program unlocks access to exclusive events including in person networking events and meet ups, roundtables with the world's top recruiters, inclusion in a Graduate Database sent to top employers, and fireside chats with the world's leading practitioners.
Peer-to-Peer Networking
Enrollees access a large and highly engaged global network of peers who are committed to give as much as they get and to support one another. Connections built throughout the program are strengthened via in person, and virtual meetups, discussions groups and networking events.
Invitation-Only AI for Business & Finance Group on LinkedIn
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive an invitation to join the AI for Business & Finance Certificate Program Group on LinkedIn. Through this group, participants can directly connect with the entire graduate network, seek advice, and access graduate-only online events and resources.
Stay Connected and Grow Your AI Program Community
Learners gain access to a local Wall Street Prep AI for Business And Finance Slack Channel, designed to facilitate local connection for a global certificate. Stay up to date on all the innovative ways our community is implementing AI into their roles.
For Employers: Empower Your Team to Lead with AI
- Future-Proof Your Workforce. Stay at the forefront of the AI transformation by equipping your entire team with a practical AI skillset.
- ROI-Driven Upskilling. Self-paced learning ensures your team can up-skill without disrupting workflows or daily responsibilities
- Customizable Timeline & Scale. This program can be deployed at scale with custom timelines on our proprietary learning platform.
- For Professionals From All Backgrounds. Rigorous training that builds Al skills step-by-step with no coding or tech background required.
FAQs
How often are programs offered?
Programs will be offered three times each year. Cohorts will begin in July, November, and March.
How much time will it take to complete this certificate?
The course is designed to run for eight weeks, with a recommended workload of 8-10 hours of lectures, live sessions, and assignments per week.
What languages will the program be offered in?
This program is offered in English only.
How do I register for this program?
You can register for the program at any time through our Enrollment Form.
How much does the program cost?
Program tuition is $4,800. Tuition can be paid in full or in 5 monthly payments.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
Tuition assistance will be available for every cohort. Use our Tuition Assistance form to apply.
What is the program refund policy?
This program is non-refundable.
Who can I contact for additional questions?
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our enrollment team at enrollment@columbia.wallstreetprep.com.